might be left

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "might be left" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a possibility that something remains or is not taken away. Example: "Some important documents might be left in the office after the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

On the layover in Beijing you might be left alone.

The Economist

People are worried that they might be left behind.

The New York Times

Students might be left wondering if it's all worth it.

The Guardian

But that might be left for another day.

The Guardian

Funding for the arts might be left entirely to the private sector for the first time.

The Washington Post

Some of those people, he said, might be left with "lifetime disabilities".

The New York Times

Lower floors might be left vacant, or used for parking garages.

The New York Times

Second, good design can bring A.I.'s benefits to those who otherwise might be left out.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

One answer might be: left-wingers are more intelligent than their right-wing counterparts.

Vice

This is partially done automatically when setting up your accounts; however, some contacts might be left out.

WikiHow

But Machado might be left out of the mix entirely, going from starter to the inactive list in one week.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "might be left" to express a possibility or uncertainty about something remaining or being in a particular state after an event or action. For a stronger sense of probability, consider using "could be left".

Common error

Avoid using "might be left" when you are certain about the outcome. "Might" indicates possibility, not a definite result. In cases where the result is known, use phrases that convey certainty, such as "will be left" or "is left".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "might be left" functions as a modal verb phrase, expressing a possibility or likelihood of something remaining or being in a specific state. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it suggests uncertainty rather than a definitive outcome.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "might be left" is a versatile phrase used to express the possibility that something remains or is in a particular state after a certain event. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It is most frequently found in "News & Media", "Science", and "Academia". When using this phrase, ensure that the context appropriately reflects uncertainty, and consider alternatives like "could remain" or "may be remaining" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Remember that using "might be left" implies a possibility, not a certainty.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

might remain

Shortened form with similar meaning, but omitting "be".

could be remaining

Similar to "might be left" but uses "could" to express possibility.

may be remaining

Emphasizes the potential for something to still exist.

might be leftover

Focuses on the potential for something to remain after a process.

could be abandoned

Focuses on the possibility of being deserted or forsaken.

might be disregarded

Suggests a chance of something being ignored or overlooked.

may be forgotten

Highlights the chance of something being overlooked or unremembered.

could still exist

Emphasizes the continued possibility of existence.

might have remained

Refers to a past possibility of something staying behind.

could be discarded

Implies the potential for rejection or disposal.

FAQs

How can I use "might be left" in a sentence?

The phrase "might be left" indicates a possibility that something remains or is not taken away. For example, "Some important documents might be left in the office after the meeting." It suggests uncertainty about whether something will remain.

What are some alternatives to "might be left"?

You can use alternatives like "could remain", "may be remaining", or "might remain" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "might be leave" instead of "might be left"?

No, "might be leave" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "might be left", where "left" is the past participle of the verb "to leave" used in a passive construction.

What's the difference between "might be left" and "will be left"?

"Might be left" indicates a possibility or uncertainty about something remaining. In contrast, "will be left" indicates a higher degree of certainty that something will remain. The choice depends on the level of certainty you want to express.